Practice at the Zen center is somewhat formal. This is why we recommend that people unfamiliar with our practice come to orientation Sundays at 9 a.m., even if they have practiced in another Zen school.

Our practice is formal, but the forms are simple and easy to learn: sitting, chanting, walking, bowing. These forms serve to bring us together — everyone does everything the same way at the same time. They help our minds settle down by eliminating decisions.

We do not talk to each other during practice. This helps our focus.

Also, we have kong-an interviews with one of our Zen masters during every Sunday practice in Lawrence, on the third Tuesday of the month in Kansas City, and during retreats.